Senior dogs often suffer from an endocrine condition called Cushing’s disease. In the United States alone, Cushing’s disease affects 100,000 dogs approximately every year, with most dogs above the age of six. It can also occur in younger dogs.

This disease usually occurs when a benign tumor forms in the pituitary gland, which controls hormones’ production. The tumor results in an overproduction of ACTH, which prompts the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. While this is the most common form of Cushing’s disease, it can also occur when a tumor occurs on the adrenal gland or there’s an overuse of steroids. 

Traditionally, Cushing’s disease can be treated with medications; however, these may cause side effects. Such medications may not be suitable for dogs suffering from afflictions, such as liver and kidney disease. 

You can also opt for surgery by removing the problematic tumors on the adrenal and pituitary glands. However, not every dog may qualify for surgery. In this case, it’s a good idea to consider natural remedies, which are especially useful for the early stages. 

Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

To treat Cushing’s disease in your dog, you should know what symptoms to look out for. The problem with this medical condition is that its symptoms are similar to other diseases, making it incredibly difficult to diagnose. However, if these symptoms occur together, then you should get your dog tested for Cushing’s disease:

• Increased fatigue
• Hair loss
• Thinning skin
• Reduced activity
• Increased appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Potbelly
• Continuous panting
• Skin infections
• Infertility

Natural Remedies to Treat Cushing’s Disease 

Here are five natural remedies that can help you manage Cushing’s disease in your dog:

Supplements

While your vet can guide you better, you should consider supplements that can help manage your dog’s Cushing disease symptoms. If you’re looking for a dog Cushings disease natural treatment, then supplements are the way to go because they can provide adrenal support for your pet by helping symptom management and balancing increased cortisol levels. 

You should also look into melatonin and lignans, herbal supplements that regulate hormones, provide antioxidants, maintain circadian rhythms, and cause estrogen production downregulation. Additionally, glandular is another supplement you should look into since it can help manage your dog’s adrenal function. 

CBD Oil

CBD refers to cannabidiol, a compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. While it’s the same herb that contains THC, the compound that causes the “high” marijuana is associated with, CBD is not psychoactive and hence doesn’t result in the same effects. 

These properties make CBD an excellent remedy to treat chronic pain that affects the nervous and musculoskeletal systems and other health issues that affect humans and domestic animals, such as dogs. 

So you can use CBD for pets, especially if your dog is suffering from Cushing’s disease. It can be used to manage hormonal imbalances caused by adrenal or pituitary tumors and even reduce the size of the tumors that cause the hormonal imbalances. 

Herbal Remedies

Some herbs can help manage the symptoms of Cushing’s disease. Chinese herbs mai men dong tang (ophiopogon root), long dan xie gan, rehmannia 11, and rehmannia 14 are recommended by various herbalists due to their ability to reduce cortisol levels. Apart from Chinese herbs, many Western herbs such as garlic, dandelion root, kelp, nettle, burdock root, and Siberian ginseng help support stressed organs. 

Suppose you’re looking for something that can support your dog’s adrenal gland function, in that case, you should consider astragalus, milk thistle, turmeric, ashwagandha root, prickly ash bark, chaste tree berry, and holy basil leaf. You should be mindful of certain herbs, such as borage leaf and licorice, since these can stimulate adrenal activity. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that has many benefits for humans and dogs alike. It can help hormone regulation and relieve symptoms, too. Typically, acupuncture involved tiny needles inserted at specific points, but veterinarians today are using lasers that have the same impact. These lasers are particularly useful if your dog is squirmish and gets uncomfortable at the sight of needles. 

Food Therapy

Monitoring your dog’s diet and nutrition can help alleviate the high levels of cortisol and manage underlying disease processes. It may also contribute to a longer life span for your pet. You should avoid treats high in sugar or fat for starters and ideally ask your vet for a diet recommendation. 

Apart from this, there are some basic guidelines you should follow in terms of food, including:

• Eating highly digestible protein. Foods such as muscle meats (lamb, beef, and chicken), organ meat, and egg whites contain protein that can easily be digested. 
• Eating food low in chloride and sodium. They help regulate blood pressure. You should avoid foods high in chloride if your dog has hypertension.
• Eating moderate fiber and low-fat foods. High cortisol can result in increased cholesterol and triglycerides. Opt for food that’s less than 12% on a dry matter basis and moderate in crude fiber (8 – 17% on a dry matter basis).

Homeopathy

This branch of medicine has multiple remedies that can help manage your dog’s Cushing’s disease symptoms. Your homeopath will be able to guide you better and recommend an appropriate treatment. However, the following homeopathic remedies are worth looking into if you’re considering homeopathy for your dog:

• Sulfur – helps manage frequent urination, pain, and liver and skin problems
• Hepar sulfuris calcareum – helps manage liver and skin problems, bloating or abdominal distention
• Arsenicum album – helps with excessive thirst and digestive upset skin problems
• Mercurius solubilis – for jaundice, increased thirst, digestive issues, vertigo, and belching
• Pituitarum posterium – assists with pituitary gland problems 
• Chelidonium majus – for bile, digestive, and liver problems

Final Thoughts

Natural remedies can play a huge role in helping manage the symptoms of Cushing’s disease. However, it’s vital to consult your vet to ensure any medication isn’t clashing with any ongoing treatments or conditions. Additionally, it’s essential to get your dog officially diagnosed through a blood test and holistic evaluation.